GOLD leaf and sumptuous colour distinguish the illustrative works by County Durham artist Judy Hurst, who opens a selling exhibition at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle next weekend.

Many of the pictures were inspired by objects in the collections.

Others are in response to her knowledge, respect and love of the architecture, ceramic work, Celtic history and wildlife of Britain and France.

The images on vellum, paper and canvas often have symbolic underlying themes - red for the blood of life, green for youth and rebirth, blue for heaven and aspirations, and gold for eternity.

"For me, patterns create the fabric of existence," she said. "I draw and paint patterns, which I see everywhere, especially while jogging in the countryside. I believe designers and artists have been expressing this vision of patterns of life for centuries: Celtic manuscripts of Ireland and Britain, books of Hours and Limoges porcelain motifs are just a few examples."

Born and raised in Durham, Ms Hurst has an honours degree in fine art. She taught in New Zealand, where she had solo exhibitions, and after returning to Britain, rose to the post of head of art while continuing her own work.

Now living in Lanchester, she has has had solo exhibitions at the DLI Art Gallery in Durham, Moot Hall Gallery, Hexham, and Belford Gallery, Northumberland. Her work has also been shown at galleries in Gateshead, Newcastle, Alston and Consett. She was also invited to show at the International Salon of Watercolour Painting in the Haute Vienne.

Illumination: Judy Hurst, opens on April 19 and continues until July 20.